During this academic year, racial slurs and swastikas were carved onto elevator doors at Ohio Dominican University, a Roman Catholic liberal arts college in Columbus. Later, a “Whites Only” sign was taped outside a men’s bathroom on campus.

In response to these incidents, the administration has decided to add, beginning this fall, a multicultural class that will be required for all students. In addition, the university will create an office for multicultural affairs and hire a full-time director to oversee its operation.

Blacks make up more than 20 percent of the 3,000-member student body at the university.